Growth Hormone & Short Stature
Answers to common questions about growth hormone & short stature.
Questions on this page
What is growth hormone?
Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and plays an important role in childhood growth and metabolism.
Does every short child need a growth hormone test?
No. Growth hormone testing is only appropriate in selected children after assessment of growth pattern, medical history, examination and other possible causes.
Is growth hormone treatment suitable for every short child?
No. Growth hormone is used only for specific medical indications and should be prescribed after appropriate evaluation.
Can growth hormone make a child taller?
In children with appropriate indications, growth hormone treatment can improve growth. The response depends on the underlying condition, age, duration of treatment and other factors.
Is growth hormone treatment safe?
Growth hormone is generally well tolerated when appropriately prescribed and monitored, but it is not a treatment that should be used without a clear medical indication.
Can nutrition supplements increase height?
There is no supplement that can guarantee increased height beyond a child's biological growth potential. Treating nutritional deficiencies is important when present.